In front of packed crowds at the summit, La Trobe highlighted how its IGNITE Lab and Ind–Aus LaunchPad programs - supported by the Government of Karnataka and delivered in partnership with the Bangalore Bio Innovation Corridor - are accelerating the global ambitions of high-growth Indian startups.
Connecting Karnataka’s vibrant tech ecosystem with Melbourne’s research excellence, the initiative gives Indian founders a structured pathway to validate markets, refine strategies and scale into Australia and international markets.
A High-Impact Bridge Between Two Innovation Powerhouses
Speaking at the event, Dr Cerasela Tanasescu, Director of La Trobe Innovation and Entrepreneurship, said: “Our global India-Australia program was launched in 2024 by Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell, it is already transforming how Indian startups access international markets. This year, through our 12-week pre-accelerator and the IGNITE Lab immersion, we helped deep-tech founders build market understanding, sharpen their strategy and directly engage with experts across Australia. It’s a practical, high-impact pathway for global scaling and long-term success. Going global requires far more than readiness, it demands market understanding, strategic integration and real validation. Through our innovation centre in Melbourne, we provide targeted mentoring and market pathways to help Indian startups strengthen their capabilities and accelerate their international growth.”
Startups report clear market gains and faster pathways to scale
Founders who participated in the IGNITE Lab immersion say the program has accelerated commercialisation, strengthened their networks and opened doors to the Australian innovation ecosystem.
Mohammed Yashik B, Co-founder and COO, Livolita, said:
“As an early-stage startup, having structured access to mentors, networks and market insights through La Trobe University and the Bangalore Bio Innovation Corridor was invaluable. It connected us to people and opportunities we couldn’t reach alone.”
Narayanan Vaidyanathan, Co-founder of Charukesi Health Pvt Ltd said: "The program aligns exactly with what a growing deep-tech company needs. The IGNITE Lab experience clarified the commercialisation journey and the steps required to scale beyond India. Collaborations like this are essential today.”
Kondragunta Omkar Babu, Co-founder and CEO, Hornet Biologicals, said:
“La Trobe University’s partnership with the Bangalore Bio Innovation Corridor has elevated our company to the next stage. We wanted to enter the Australian market but didn’t know the pathway. IGNITE Lab provided that direction. We had targeted 2030 for launch — we can now achieve it by 2026.”
Microbeworks: A standout success story in sustainable biotech
Bengaluru-based Microbeworks, which is developing microbial dyes as biodegradable alternatives to highly polluting synthetic colourants, has seen strong momentum since participating in the LaunchPad.
Suchitha Raghunathan, CEO of Microbeworks said: “Winning the LaunchPad confirmed that our direction is strong. La Trobe University’s corridor with the Bangalore Bio Innovation Corridor connected us with leaders in Melbourne who meaningfully shaped our strategic thinking. The 12-week masterclasses strengthened how we approach scaling, fundraising and research. Since then, interest from investors, partners and potential customers has grown significantly, the program has opened real market opportunities.”
She added: “Cross-country collaboration always amplifies innovation. Building this corridor between India and Australia strengthens ideas, teams and impact.”
Expanding a trusted India–Australia Innovation pathway
Supported by the Government of Karnataka and anchored through the Bangalore Bio Innovation Corridor, La Trobe University’s Ind–Aus Launchpad and IGNITE Lab continue to deepen bilateral innovation ties by giving Indian founders a credible, strategic and globally aligned route into the Australian market.
Dr. Mohamed Adil A.A, Managing Director, Bangalore Bio Innovation Centre said: “The Ind-Aus Launchpad is more than a program – it’s a pipeline for global biotech excellence. With strong support from the Department of Information Technology and Biotechnology and the Victorian Government, we are proud to enable innovators to scale beyond borders”
The program is emerging as a leading model for cross-border collaboration, linking two of the region’s most dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems in a way that accelerates ideas, investment and impact.
